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Saint Vrain Glacier Trail

From the Middle Saint Vrain Trailhead, follow Buchanan Pass Trail five miles into the Indian Peaks Wilderness and to its intersection with Saint Vrain Glacier Trail. The Saint Vrain Glacier Trail continues 3.1 miles west, ending at Lake Gibraltar. There are creek crossings which can be difficult, especially in early summer. In a field of boulders, even the trail gives up, leaving the hiker to wind through the rocks. Before the small lake in the bottom of the valley, a faint path climbs the hillside to Lake Gibraltar. The Saint Vrain Glacier Trail ends in a cirque basin, with a half-dozen delicate lakes, craggy rock walls, and glacial remnants.

At a Glance

Permit Info:

This trail lies within the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area:

Camping permits required for all overnight trips between June 1 and September 15. Overnight permits cost $5 per group, per trip from June 1 through September 15.

Organized groups are required to have a permit for both camping and day-hiking year round. Day-hiking permits are free.

Usage:

Heavy

Restrictions:

Indian Peak Wilderness restrictions apply:

Motorized and mechanized vehicles are prohibited.

Pets must be on a hand-held leash at all times.

Campfires prohibited.

Campsites must be at least 100 feet away from water and trail.

Group size is limited to 12 (people and livestock combined).

Fishing and hunting: permitted in accordance with regulations established by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

General Information

Directions: Approximately 6.5 miles north of Ward, Colorado, on Colorado Highway 72, watch for signs for Peaceful Valley and Camp Dick Campgrounds. Turn west onto Middle Saint Vrain Road (County Road 92 and National Forest System Road 114) and proceed 1.25 miles to the west end of Camp Dick.

Recreation Map

Activities

Fishing

SHOW

River and Stream Fishing

Lake and Pond Fishing

Hiking

HIDE

Backpacking

This trail is within the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, where camping permits are required June 1 - September 15. After departing from Buchanan Pass Trail, the trail gains elevation as it follows Middle Saint Vrain Creek to a half-dozen remnant glaciers at the end of the valley. Destinations include the Saint Vrain Glaciers, Lake Gibraltar and Lake Envy.

Fire Information

Campfires are prohibited year-round.

Elevation desc

The trail gains 1,100 feet in three miles.

Difficulty Level:

Intermediate to Difficult

Day Hiking

This trail is within the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. After departing from Buchanan Pass Trail, the trail gains elevation as it follows Middle Saint Vrain Creek to a half-dozen remnant glaciers at the end of the valley. Destinations include the Saint Vrain Glaciers, Lake Gibraltar and Lake Envy.